Pain management is a subspecialty of anesthesiology. Anesthesiologists are doctors who complete a three-year residency in anesthesiology, and are responsible for monitoring and maintaining patient health and pain relief before, during and after surgery.

The American Board of Medical Specialties recognizes Family Medicine as a distinct discipline requiring an additional three years of training for doctors who wish to become Board Certified in this field. Family Medicine doctors are usually primary care providers (PCPs) [formerly general practitioners, or GPs] for the entire family.